Extra Mural Research >Ongoing

Popularization of Science

Metabolic genotypes as modulators of DNA and chromosomal damage in persons engaged in quarrying/stone crushing:- This project is being implemented by Dr. Gursatej Gandhi, Depatment of Human Genetics, GNDU, Amritsar.

Current Status:
The work under the project has been published in various journals. The data base has been generated for various parameters as proposed in the objectives. Various laboratory tests including cell & molecular studies are progressing well and are based on the standard procedures. The results suggest that stone crushing units posed considerable health hazardous to the workers due to their exposure to the dust at these units. As per the report, these effects vary from genetic instability to respiratory distress, as well as other ill effects on health. It is strongly suggested to statistically analyze the correlation among different observations and also to remove any disparity as for the difference in the number of individuals involved (control vs workers) as study group. The study in itself is important and would potentially be used in sensitizing the individuals for the health risks about their workplace, stone crushing unit, and also the potential prevention measure from this exposure. Contact Person:
Dr. Gursatej Gandhi, Deptt. of Human Genetics, GNDU, Amritsar.

SPINK1 gene polymorphisms in chronic pancreatic patients: An Epidemiological study in Punjab’ by PGIMER, Chandigarh: This project is being taken up at Dr. SV Rana, Department of Gastro-enterology, PGI, Chandigarh.

Current Status:
This project intends to find out the prevalence of chronic pancreatitis in few districts of Punjab, to study the polymorphisms of SPINK1 Gene N34S mutation, PRSS1 & ADH genes in chronic pancreatitis by PCR-RFLP and to study the prevalence of SPINK 1 gene N34S mutation, PRSS1 & ADH genes in population of Punjab. for the study, One block (i.e.Kharar) of Mohali district of Punjab was selected at random. The SPINK1 polymorphism at codon 34 was determined by a combination of PCR-RFLP, PCR-RFLP was performed with restriction enzyme Taal and the cycle sequence was at Exon 3 of SPINK1 with following PCR primers:Sense: 5′- GTT TGC TTT TCT CGG GGT GAG -3′ and Antisense: 5′- GAA GAA CGT GCC CCA AGA T -3′. For the remaining period of the project, other villages of Kharar Block of Mohali District will be screened, Blood samples will be collected from all above mentioned villages for polymorphisms of SPINK1, PRSS1 & ADH genes involved in chronic pancreatitis, DNA will be isolated & polymorphisms of SPINK1, PRSS1 & ADH genes will be done and Polymorphisms of above mentioned genes will be done in already collected blood samples.Contact Person:
Dr. S.V. Rana, Department of Gastroenterology, PGI, Chandigarh

Mosquito Diversity and Impact of Ecological Changes on major Vector Species of Family Culicidae (Diptera) from Punjab by Punjabi University, Patiala- This project is being taken up by Dr. Jagbir Singh, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala.

Current Status
The detailed work being carried out under the project includes study of Culicidae diversity, its taxonomic attributes, preparation of inventory of the collected specimens, study of correlation of Culicidae population with abiotic factors, study of seasonal prevalence, habitats and activity period of the major vector species. During the last two years, the research fellows under the project have conducted surveys throughout the Punjab state and they have been able to collect as many as 38 species of mosquitoes under seven genera. These species include 31 already known species as well as 7 species which have been procured for the first time from this study area. The collected specifies also include larvae of major vector species of Culicidae. The season-wise fluctuation in the population of the different specifies have also been worked out by the research fellows through intensive and extensive surveys throughout the year. They have also recorded important variations in the morphology of the adults and larvae of the studies species. During the subsequent period of the project, the project team will particularly concentrate on the variations which were met with in these species on account of environmental factors.Contact Person:
Dr. Jagbir Singh, Professor Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala.

History of Science & Technology in Punjab by PSCST:

This project is being implemented to document developments in S&T in Punjab in various sectors such as agriculture, water management & irrigation, environment & ecology, industry, architecture, medicine, education, traditional technologies, art, scriptures, spirituality & religion, eminent scientists, institutes etc., given separately in Part A. The Part B of the document will present the history of S&T in Punjab during different eras beginning from dawn of modern civilization (Indus valley civilization), Aryan civilization, Rule of various kingdoms (Budhist, Greek, Mauryan and Gupta periods), Persian and Mughal rules, Sikh kingdom, British era and post-independence period.. The concluding chapter of the document will depict the current S&T scenario, lessons from history of S&T and future vision for sustainable growth.